Seeking meeting to save threatened bus service

Details

08 May 2018

Bus goes through rural Clydesdale to Edinburgh

The 101/102 bus service provides a vital and essential link to and from Edinburgh.

I have written to Scottish Borders Council regarding the authority’s decision to withdraw its funding contribution for the service, which runs from Dumfries to Edinburgh via Biggar. The withdrawal would take effect from August 2018, when the contract for the service is up for renewal.

Scottish Borders Council at present contributes approximately 33% of the funding for the service, which also stops at Abington, Lamington, Crawford and Roberton. The route also services West Linton and Carlops.

I have written to the council to seek a reversal in its decision and to SPT to seek an urgent meeting to discuss how the current level of service to/from Edinburgh can be maintained.

This is a well-used route which takes people to work, school, and training. For many of the communities on this bus route, it is the only public transport link to our capital city.

I am requesting an urgent meeting and dialogue in order to get assurance that this service will not be lost.